Cost of War In Iraq

October 28, 2011

One of the top petitions submitted to the White House, with over 31,000 signatures as of October 24, 2011, concerned student loan debt. It's not surprising that a Senior Advisor to President Obama, David Plouffe, has said that President Obama’s recent relaxation of student debt burden reflects a policy that will help create jobs in the current economy and that “we can't wait for Congress to act.”

In his message he states:

“These policies aren't a substitute for the American Jobs Act, but they will make a difference. And we don't intend to stop there.

The best ideas for growing this economy won't come from Washington – they'll come from Americans like you.”

A top education advisor to President Obama, Roberto Rodriguez, had this to say about petitions submitted to the White House so far.

“Thank you for taking the time to participate in the "We the People" petition process. We launched this online tool as a way of hearing directly from you, and are pleased that you have responded by presenting this idea.

We agree that reducing the burden of student loans is an effective way to stimulate the economy and save taxpayer dollars. That's why we're excited to announce a new policy that speaks to the concerns expressed in this petition.

In the little more than a month since the White House launched We the People, 755,000 people used the platform to create or sign more than 12,400 petitions that have gathered over 1.2 million total signatures.”

The Tech Team responsible for helping to build and monitor the petition site at We the People, has reportedly benefited from feedback about the system itself. Over the past few weeks input to the website has been used to improve We the People's user experience.

Users can give additional feedback via Twitter using the hashtag #WHWeb and users can respond and follow the petition action on twitter by using @WeThePeople .

October 25, 2011

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoSanta Fe, NM – They may have been a little slower to jump on the online bandwagon, but now more than half of Internet users ages 50-65 use at least one social networking site, along with a third of those over 65. Marsha Collier, author of "Facebook and Twitter for Seniors" (one of the "Dummies" book series) has comments.

They're trying to get connected, although they're not always sure how to do it or why they should. A recent survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project confirms that social media is now part of life for more than half of Internet users ages 50-to-65 - and a third of those over 65. Many seniors say they learned it from their child or grandchild. Marsha Collier says it's best to wade into social networking slowly. Pick one pursuit, such as Facebook or LinkedIn – or even emailing or texting on a mobile phone – and learn that first. And she says younger people can easily help parents or grandparents create a blog.

"All they have to do is go there and click ‘post.’ They can post about their garden; they can post about their children. And you’ll be surprised – even if there’s no response to the blog, it will give them a comfort factor of going onto the computer and typing a journal."

Collier says social networking – and Internet savvy in general – will help older people feel more connected instead of isolated, and that it's a good way to bring generations together when kids or grand-kids can help teach these skills.Collier says even people who are hesitant to social-network will be more interested when they see all the friends and family members they can connect with.

"Sometimes the easiest thing is helping someone go to Facebook and seeing who of their friends are on Facebook – or people they’ve gone to work with in the past. Because Facebook makes it very accessible; if people have put in where they worked in the past, you can just look up the company and they may see somebody they know."

Collier says seniors may also become more interested in social networking when they realize they can make money selling things on eBay.

"I know for sure that lots of people who are listening have a lot of extra stuff laying around their house. Learn to sell it on eBay! There’s books for seniors on eBay. It’s all out there, it’s a whole new world – and I just don’t want anybody to close the door to it."

June 17, 2011

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM – In its annual checkup of the deployment of broadband across the nation, the Federal Communications Commission says despite progress, more needs to be done to get 26 million Americans, mostly in rural communities, access to high-speed Internet. More than 440 thousand in New Mexico don't have that access. Sharon Gillett, Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC, says those numbers illustrate the lag in expanding broadband.

A new report by the Federal Communications Commission says job opportunities will elude millions of mostly rural Americans because they lack access to high-speed Internet. And New Mexicans lack that access at a rate almost three times national average – affecting more than 440-thousand. Sharon Gillett in the Wireline Competition Bureau at the FCC says progress in broadband deployment has been made across the nation, but a hefty workload remains – especially in rural areas, "We need to continue with our reforms to ensure that everybody gets broadband. We still have 26 million people without the standard level of broadband service in the country and that’s too many. We need to close that gap."

The FCC is looking to more public and private partnerships to ramp up access…like what was done with telephone service. The agency believes reforming the Universal Service Fund will also help to extend high-speed Internet to underserved areas.

According to the FCC report, 22-percent of New Mexicans live in areas without broadband availability. Where broadband is available, the FCC discovered another hurdle – not everyone wants to subscribe, so Gillett says digital literacy projects are important, "Often it’s cost, but not always. Sometimes they just don’t believe it’s relevant in their lives. But, there are many who aren’t subscribing that we also view broadband adoption as an issue that we definitely need to be working on."

March 07, 2011

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoSanta Fe – A recent study of 2,000 U.S. young people shows just what New Mexico parents are up against in the screen-saturated world of pre-teens and teenagers. New Mexico parents should be wary of too much "screen time."

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study of two-thousand youth eight to eighteen nationwide found they spend an average of over seven hours a day interacting with digital media. Mother, journalist and author of “Let the Baby Drive,” Lu Hanessian, says too much screen time makes it difficult for children to relate to their parents and other children, "I am actually quite concerned and disturbed by the amount of time that children today, teenagers, are spending on devices and computers. It actually concerns me not just for the kids, but for their future."

The study found that over two-thirds of children 11 to 14 own a cell phone and spend an average of an hour and a half of each day texting. Critics of the study's findings point out that electronic communication and computer skills are essential for future business success.

Hanessian says parents could see their children lose interest in school and not respond to discipline because of texting and Facebook updating. She adds that the attachment that grew between parent and infant can be strained by electronic device distractions, but that it’s never too late to re-establish those essential ties, "It’s really hard to set a limit with a child who's losing empathy. They don’t care! So, the question to me is, how do we reclaim that empathic state, that connection, the attachment?"

December 22, 2010

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoAlbuquerque – The Federal Communications Commission approved new rules Tuesday meant to protect an 'open Internet,' but many of those who were pushing for rules that prevent telecom and network companies from being able to block, slow or prioritize different kinds of traffic online, say they're disappointed. In fact, some groups have even declared the 'Open Internet' rules to be a "fake." That's because they protect the wired Internet, but not fast-growing wireless or mobile networks. Even FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who voted for the new rules, has voiced concerns that the regulations do not provide a level playing field for all users, "An open Internet should be available to all end-users: residential, enterprise, for profit or not."

Clyburn specifically outlined the potential impact the rules could have on communities of color, which are more likely to use the mobile internet for everything from work, to keeping in touch with family. Telecom companies say the rules shouldn't apply to mobile networks because bandwidth is more limited, and they need to be able to manage traffic to provide the best service.

Andrea Quijada, executive director of Albuquerque-based Media Literacy Project, says the rules are devastating to New Mexico's rural and low-income communities, "We know that these are communities that are more likely to access the Internet on a cell phone than anywhere else. When we have less protection for wireless users than for wired Internet users, there's discrimination taking place, and we don't think that's right."

Many groups that support an open Internet were disappointed in the significant role that corporations like Verizon played in crafting the new rules meant to regulate them. It's widely expected that the battle will now move to the courts, with challenges planned by both corporations and consumer groups.

For more on the new rules, including statements from each commissioner go to www.fcc.gov

November 16, 2010

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoAlbuquerque - A member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in Albuquerque to talk about the Future of the Internet, and the public is invited. Tonight FCC Commissioner Michael Copps and leaders from the state's diverse populations host a special hearing on Internet access and freedom.

Andrea Quijada is executive director of the Media Literacy Project, one of the groups hosting the hearing. She says they've been collecting stories about Internet access and freedom for the past two years, and expects to hear some of the same things when members of the public are each allowed to give 90 seconds of testimony, "So, we'll hear from young students who are in third or fourth grade telling us that they can't do their homework at home when they don't have a connection. We hear people reminding us that they also use the Internet to access immediate medical services or support."

Just over half of New Mexico households lack access to high-speed Internet connections. Quijada says she also anticipates discussion of Internet freedom, sometimes called Net Neutrality. The hearing is not an official FCC hearing, but the event features several speakers and is free. It starts at 6:30 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Members of the public who'd like to testify but can't make it to the hearing can leave their 90 second testimony for the FCC by calling 505-609-8547.

Quijada says it makes sense to hold the hearing in a place like New Mexico, "The FCC will have the opportunity to hear directly from rural communities, to hear from Native communities and Latino communities. We are a minority majority state, it's really important that people hear what are the unique needs of New Mexico."

The address for the Center is 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. The hearing is co-hosted by Free Press, the Center for Media Justice and the Media Literacy Project. Eric Mack reporting, nmnc@newsservice.org

May 10, 2010

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoAlbuquerque - People in the midst of the immigration debate say it's intertwined with the issue of universal broadband access and net neutrality. These issues might be more related than they seem. Grassroots groups say immigration and universal access to an open Internet are interconnected, which is why migrant advocacy groups celebrated last week when the FCC announced it would regulate broadband in much the same way as telephone networks. Telephone service is essentially treated as a universal service that all Americans should have access to. George Lujan with the Southwest Organizing Project says the Internet has played a major role in the ongoing drama over Arizona's new immigration law, "From news websites and everybody's blogs all across Facebook, the entire social media network, really. It was inescapable for a couple of weeks now, really."

The FCC recently unveiled its new broadband plan, which includes plans to extend broadband access to all Americans over the next decade. Lujan says rural, migrant and low-income communities are among those still most likely to lack broadband access and the opportunities that come with it. Grassroots groups are calling the FCC announcement a big victory, and one that wouldn't have been possible without organizing done over the Internet. Lujan says he's optimistic that the recent FCC regulation decision will also strengthen the argument for preserving net neutrality, which prevents telecom companies from shutting off, or slowing, certain types of information on the Internet, "It's very scary to think that we might even face a future where we're closing down that communication. Where instead of hearing more of what's going on, we're hearing less and less."

Lujan says keeping the Internet open is important to the work that migrant advocates do, as well as maintaining communications with family across political borders... and even helping develop small businesses. Broadband companies argue that they should be able to operate their networks how they see fit. How legal rulings will fall out in the wake of the FCC decision has yet to be determined but at least one legal ruling agrees with the broadband providers.

George Lujan, communications organizer for the Southwest Organizing Project, explains.

February 15, 2010

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New Mexico

Albuquerque - Groups from New Mexico and across the country have declared a day of action to draw attention to the need for affordable, high-speed access to an open internet. Members of New Mexico's congressional delegation say they stand with the many New Mexicans who are depressed by dial-up. National broadband day is calling attention to the need for affordable, high-speed access to an open Internet, in communities of all sizes. New Mexico lawmakers sent a letter to the FCC this month in support of extending the existing Universal Service Fund rules and resources to broadband.

There's a "Show Your Love for Broadband" event today at the South Valley Economic Development Center in Albuquerque's south valley. Organizer Andrea Quijada with the New Mexico Media Literacy Project says the message is simple, "What we're saying is, we want broadband to be accessible for everyone, and we want Internet freedom, we don't want any roadblocks."

Amalia Deloney, coordinator for the Media Action Grassroots Network or "MAG-net," says an open Internet with guaranteed network neutrality is essential to ensure that every idea has a chance to be communicated, "Whether it's about small business development, whether it's artists being able to exchange music online, whether it's immigrant communities who need to be able to access Skype to be able to have conversations with communities back in their countries of origin."

Making "net neutrality" the rule would prevent Internet providers from blocking or slowing down certain kinds of online content. Providers like Comcast argue that they should have the power to operate their networks however they see fit, but the FCC claims it has broad jurisdiction over many forms of interstate communication, including the Internet, Quijada says there are many communities in New Mexico that have outgrown their old dial-up modems but don't yet have affordable broadband options, including some parts of the Duke City., "There are areas of Albuquerque where some Internet providers will only provide dial-up and do not provide broadband. And we know, given what is taking place on the Internet now, dial-up is insufficient."

December 04, 2009

from the New Mexico News Connection - A statewide news service for New MexicoLas Cruces, NM - A free event Saturday, December 5th looks at ways to create jobs in New Mexico through the state's many protected lands and picturesque landscapes. President Obama called for new ideas for job creation at a special summit in Washington on Thursday, and a special meeting taking place in New Mexico this weekend could be one place to look.

The event looks at the economics of conserving wilderness across New Mexico and the West, and how protected lands can help create jobs. Gary Gomes heads the High Tech Consortium of Southern New Mexico, which works to make the region a recognized center for excellence in technology. He says they're well on the way, but one key to success is being able to attract the right minds and employees, and one way to do that is by keeping the Land of Enchantment enchanting, "The first thing they do is look up at the Organ Mountains and across the broad panoramas. It's something that not too many areas have, and of course recreational activities are important." Gomes added that he believes protecting those areas - and others across the state - are important to New Mexico's economic future.

The "Wilderness Economics" symposium is free and open to the public at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces from 9 to 2 on Saturday. Nationally recognized wilderness author Doug Scott, representatives from the State Tourism Department and others will be speaking about business opportunities tied to public lands. There will also be video addresses from Senators Bingaman and Udall.

Tim O'Donoghue director of the Jackson Hole Wyoming Chamber of Commerce, will be in Las Cruces to share his town's story. He says part of their success is in supporting industries, like tourism, that are more likely to put their profits back in the local economy, "Extractive industries for instance - a lot of the companies are not local companies, they're national or even international companies where a lot of the revenue that's derived from extractive industries will leave the community and won't come back."

John Munoz, a board member with the Hispano Chamber de Las Cruces, says wilderness-driven tourism can create all sorts of opportunities for jobs and small businesses, "Things like gas stations, hotels, outdoor recreation, sporting goods stores."For more information visit donaanawild.org .

August 28, 2008

from the NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION - A statewide news service for New MexicoWhile the mainstream press is jockeying for face time with Democratic heavy-hitters in the Pepsi Center, a few blocks away a tent full of 500 bloggers and non-profits are creating their own convention with a focus on sustainability, new media and voter participation. Aaron Nelson with the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, one of the Tent's sponsors, says backers like Google, YouTube, and co-sponsor group ProgressNowAction want to promote voter engagement by catering to people working within the new media landscape, "Some of the largest political blogs have over 8 million unique visitors every single month. We're in an on-demand world these days. People like to go online and point and click. So, the quote, unquote, New Media is becoming more and more used as the internet is becoming more and more used."

The 8,000 square foot Big Tent hosts hundreds of bloggers and dozens of panel discussions throughout the course of the convention. Under the "big" lights, voting rights, climate change, and healthcare are hot topics. Noted website, Daily Kos, is a co-sponsor. Executive editor Susan Gardner says blogs are an important part of the convention coverage, "The blogs offer a way for us to no longer be consumers, but to be creators of our Democracy, as well."

And besides "new media," the Big Tent has attracted its share of celebrities. Hollywood actress Daryl Hannah will be video blogging from the site. According to Hannah, "It's a great way to share information, and I think when people have information they make wise decisions."

An award-winning website is hosting a national dialog every day of the Convention, you can log onto "Votelink.com" to answer key questions. If respondents had been in charge of policy-making this week, the $12 billion dollars a month the U-S now directs toward war efforts abroad would be going instead ... to pay down the national debt. To join in, log on to http://Votelink.com .